COVID-19 Update: Courts, Jail Procedures Impacted As Preventive Measures
All Local School Districts Cancel Classes Next Week; No Confirmed Coronavirus Reported In Hopkins County
Local government entities continue to make preparations to prevent potential spread of the coronavirus.
As of noon Saturday, no cases of COVID-19 had been reported in Hopkins County. While 51 cases of COVID-19 had been reported throughout the state Saturday, the nearest confirmed cases to Hopkins County, according to Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC are in Gregg, Smith and Dallas area counties. Fifteen pediatric patients have died in Texas through Friday from the flu, according to the latest DSHS report.
Local officials continue to coordinate resources and efforts to be ready, should Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County have any coronavirus cases, and encourage residents to take hygienic precautions to help guard against the possibility of contracting an illness.
School Districts, UIL
Miller Grove ISD Hornet 
All Hopkins County school districts (Como-Pickton CISD and, Cumby, Miller Grove, North Hopkins, Saltillo, Sulphur Bluff and Sulphur Springs ISDs), along with Yantis and Cooper ISDs, have extended spring break by a week, with students tentatively set to return to classes March 23.
A full list of Texas school district closings can be found on the TEA website.
The University Interscholastic League has suspended all UIL sanctioned contests March 16-29 as well due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Texas. Changes and updates to upcoming UIL event schedules can be found in their respective sections on the UIL website.
College, University
PJC Paris Junior College
Texas A&M University-Commerce and Paris Junior College campuses will not have face-to-face classes next week either. TAMUC classes will resume in an online format on March 16. Online courses can be accessed from the myLeo Online learning management system using your CWID and password. For additional information about accessing myLeo Online, students should consult D2L FAQs or call 877-310-8174 for further questions.
On March 12, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships.
Paris Junior College is extending spring break an additional week for students. On Monday, March 23, PJC classes will resume, strictly in an online environment. PJC officials hope to resume face-to-face classes on April 6.
All full-time faculty and staff at PJC should report to campus on Monday, March 16. Part-time employees of PJC are not to report to work unless contacted and instructed to do so by their supervisor. Student workers are not expected to return to campus to work until Monday, April 6.
NJCAA suspend all spring competition beginning Saturday, March 14 through Friday, April 3 along with the postponement of basketball championships until April 20.
County,- Court, Jail
Due to COVID-19, preventive measures were put in plac Friday night at Hopkins County Jail to protect staff and inmates. On-site visitation is no longer being offers, in response to Governor Abbots order. NCIC, video visitation contractor, will provide two free offsite visits. For more information, contact the jail by phone, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office reports.
Any official reports from the county will be posted at the Hopkins County Emergency Management Facebook page. So far HCEM also reports no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hopkins County, coordinated efforts, and regular contact with state and other officials
Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt Friday reported access to necessary court proceedings is being restricted to essential personnel. To adhere to the open courts rules, accommodations may be made with notice. Many dockets and proceedings are being rescheduled until threat from COVID-19 has passed.
Sulphur Springs, Cumby
The City of Sulphur Springs is cancelling all court hearings and trials in the municipal court until further notices. Sulphur Springs officials continue to coordinate with other local agencies regarding public safety response to make sure that all are on the same page, according to the city manager.
The City of Cumby is also monitoring the situation, and city officials too encourage residents to take preventive measures by practicing healthy hygiene.
Hospital, Nursing Facilities
Several nursing, rehabilitation and assisted living facilities have reported limited or restricted visitation measures in place to protect residents.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, according to facility officials, continues observe the same visitation guidelines established when the area began experiencing a rise in influenza patients: no visitors under 12 or who exhibit symptoms of illness such as a fever.
CHRISTUS did cancel an event that was supposed to be held at the Senior Citizens Center on March 20.
State Parks
State Parks in Texas will remain open next week, and park staff are ready to welcome visitors for the day or for overnight stays, according to Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin.
Miller Grove, Yantis Boys Recognized With All District, Academic All District Honors
Several students from Miller Grove ISD and Yantis ISD were named to the 2019 – 20 District 23-A Boys All District Teams and All Academic Teams, according to information provided by Miller Grove ISD Secondary Principal/Athletic Director Gary Billingsley
Named to the First Team were sophomore Isaiah Billingsley and junior Kobe Robertson, both from Miller Grove.
Named to the Second Team were Miller Grove junior Matt Brignon and sophomore Lexton Sly.
Honorable Mention went to sophomore Tanner Hensley and freshman Riley Hasten, both of Miller Grove, and to junior Carlos Lopez of Yantis.
Recognized for Academic All District were Yantis’ Jude Calvillo, Elgin Curry, Carlos Lopez, Camren Lutz and Samuel Schlagel; and Miller Grove’s Kobe Robertson, Isaiah Billingsley, Jacob George and Lexton Sly.
Arkansas Woman Arrested Following Off-Duty Officer’s Report Of Suspected Narcotics Use, Disturbance
A 36-year-old Hot Springs, Arkansas woman was arrested by Sulphur Springs police. Police responded to a call around 1:42 p.m. March 13, 2020. An off-duty officer reported suspected narcotics use and a possible disturbance in the 1300 block of South Broadway Street.
Upon arrival, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Floyd reported the off-duty officer was attempting to hold a woman still, so he put her into handcuffs. She allegedly told officers she and her boyfriend were in an argument.
The off-duty officer reported seeing Golden using narcotics. Golden allegedly told police there was marijuana in her car; two bags of marijuana were indeed located. In addition, a used syringe, a glass pipe of the type used to smoke methamphetamine, a marijuana grinder and two different types of Penalty Group 1 pills were also allegedly located in the Mitsubishi Outlander.
A Hopkins County sheriff’s unit was contacted to transport the woman identified in arrest reports as Lacey Golden. The woman had reportedly urinated on herself. Golden was charged with possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance; both charges had a drug-free zone enhancement due to the proximity of the stop to Bowie Primary School, according to arrest reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Trying To Strangle Ex-Girlfriend
A 31-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of trying to strangle his ex-girlfriend Friday night, according to arrest reports.
Suphur Springs police responded at 10:44 p.m. Friday, May 13, in the 300 block of Helm Lane, where an assault was reported. Upon arrival, police reported being told the resident’s ex-boyfriend had entered the domicile without her consent, then of assaulting her with closed fists and headbutting her. The ex-boyfriend, identified in arrest reports as Jonathon Michael Rininger of Sulphur Springs, also allegedly “strangled her around her neck, impeding her ability to breath freely.”
Rininger had reportedly left prior to officers’ arrival, but was located at the E-Z Mart around the corner at East Shannon Road at Helm Lane. He was arrested at 11:05 p.m. and transported to Hopkins County jail by SSPD Officer Victor Reyna, SSPD Cpl. Chris Rosamond and Officer Nick Floyd alleged in arrest reports.
The arrest marked the second time this year Rininger has been booked into Hopkins County jail. He also spent Jan. 23-25, 2020, in custody on an interference with an emergency request for assistance charge, before being released on a $2,000 bond, according to jail reports. He was accused at that time preventing a female from calling 911 during an altercation at a gas station.
Rininger remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, March 14, on the assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Man Jailed On Louisiana Parole Warrant, Controlled Substance Charge
A 36-year-old man, who refused to provide his address when asked for them, allegedly had methamphetamine pipes when detained Friday night and attempted to discard a bag of suspected methamphetamine, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies reported contracting Robert Jeremy Ballance at 9:23 p.m. on East Shannon Road at Sewell Lane, after noticing the man to be wearing dark clothing while walking on the wrong side of the road. The man allegedly made “furtive movements” as the deputies contacted him. Ballance reportedly told deputies he was walking to Ferrari Inn from the Quick Track on Mockingbird Lane, where he’d gone to purchase incense burners, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Davis and Deputy Justin Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports.
A pat down allegedly revealed two knives. Inside the bag where the incense burners were supposed to be, two clear glass pipes of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine were allegedly found. The pipes appeared to deputies to be unused as there was no apparent narcotics residue on them, the officers alleged in arrest reports.
A records check showed Ballance to be wanted on a Louisiana warrant for violation of parole; he was detained until the warrant was confirmed. The 36-year-old was then allowed to contact employer to notify him of the warrant, according to arrest reports.
Deputies alleged a small bag tied in a manner consistent with the packaging of illegal narcotics was found in the road in the general area where Ballance had been standing when initially contacted by deputies. On closer inspection, the deputies noted the bag contained a crystal like substance, that later tested positive using a field test kit for methamphetamine and weighed less than 1 gram, including packaging.
Consequently, Ballance was arrested at 9:33 p.m. not only on the Louisiana parole warrant, but also for tampering with evidence and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, March 14, on all three charges, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Franklin: State Parks To Remain Open Next Week
Texas State Parks are open, and park staff are ready to welcome visitors for the day or for overnight stays, according to Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin.
Outdoor spaces at state parks, Franklin said, are well suited to increased social distance, and park staff remain diligent in taking steps to make visits as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Below is what Franklin said park visitors can expect from staff and how they can help keep everyone as well as possible:
Hopkins County Emergency Management Report No Confirmed Cases Of COVID-19 In Hopkins County
Hopkins County Emergency Management released this official statement regarding county preparations related to the coronavirus:
All information from Hopkins County offices regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) will be posted on this page (Hopkins County Emergency Management Facebook Page)
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID -19 in Hopkins County. We are in constant communication with the Texas Department of State and Health Services and the Texas Division of Emergency Management for the most up-to date information. We are encouraging individuals and organizations to read what is posted on the CDC’s website (link below) to make an informed decision on what precautions should be taken. Local emergency personnel have implemented precautionary measures to help prevent exposure and transmission of the virus.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html
2 Sulphur Springs Men Jailed On Felony Warrants
Two Sulphur Springs men were booked into Hopkins County jail Thursday, March 12, 2020 on felony warrants, according to arrest and jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams stopped a Ford Taurus at a rest area after noticing the license plate to be obscured. On contact, a records check was conducted an revealed an outstanding Hunt County warrant for his arrest, according to arrest reports.
Gary Lee Gibson, 44, of Sulphur Springs was arrested on a Hunt County warrant for surety off bond on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Lester arrived and assumed custody of Gibson, according to arrest reports.
Gibson was booked at 10:34 p.m. Thursday, March 12, into Hopkins County jail, where he remained until Friday. Bond was set at $7,500, according to jail reports.
Manuel Rodriguez-Cruz, 35, of Sulphur Springs was transported at noon from Prairieland Detention Center to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked for surety off bond on a possession with intent to promote child pornography charge, Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Elijah Fite alleged in arrest reports.
Rodriguez-Cruz remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, March 13; his bond was set at $750,000, according to jail reports. He was originally booked into the county jail on the charge Feb. 5; he was released later that day on $75,000 bond, according to jail reports.
The Feb. 5 charge resulted from an investigation by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office into possible involvement of a local resident in the distribution of child pornography, HCSO officials reported following Rodriguez-Cruz’s arrest in February. An IP address allegedly used to upload images was traced to a West Ross Street location. A search warrant was served, after officials confirmed Rodriguez-Cruz was at the residence. During a search of the property, Rodriguez-Cruz allegedly confessed to accessing, possessing and the distribution of child pornography, as well as for his own personal use, sheriff’s officials reported in February.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of March 16, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of March 16, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.
Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co.
Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building detours. The southbound Travis Street connector ramp onto southbound US
75 was closed permanently. Traffic is being detoured onto the frontage road to Park Avenue. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures between US 82 and SH 56. Crews will be performing utility work as well as constructing a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for traffic shifts as workers widen FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. This project is expected to begin on April 6 after utilities have been relocated. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road and the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on rebuilding
the southbound frontage road.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to lime treat the soils and place
underdrains.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night thru Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
Greer Road, Grayson County: just south of FM 901 at Brushy Creek. Greer Road is closed at Brushy Creek in order to remove and build a new bridge. Traffic on Greer Road will need to use an alternate route, such as Sandusky Road, during construction.
Park Road 20, Grayson County: within Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
SH 56, Grayson County: between east FM 1417 and the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for a traffic shift near the SH 56 intersection in Honey Grove as
crews work to build the new westbound lanes. Westbound traffic is being shifted to the eastbound side during this period.
County Road 3810, Fannin County: at Loring Creek. County Road 3810 is closed at Loring Creek while crews remove and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 3810 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 2998, Fannin County: at Cottonwood Creek. County Road 2998 is tentatively scheduled to be closed on April 6 in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge.
County Road 4920, Fannin County: at Indian Creek. County Road 4920 is tentatively scheduled to be closed on April 6 in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge.
FM 897, Fannin County: from US 82 to CR 2950 in Lannius. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 2029. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976;
Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews replace an existing drainage structure; temporary traffic signals will direct traffic.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform milling operations.
FM 1448, Franklin County: From Wood County Line to FM 115. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 900, Hopkins County: I-30 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co.
Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures and traffic shifts while crews extend cross structures and widen pavement to install passing lanes.
US 82, Lamar County: from BU 82H to Red River County Line. An overnight lane closure just west of FM 1508 in order to upgrade rail will be in place. Watch for daytime shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence at other locations throughout project limits.
US 82, Red River County: from Lamar County Line to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
US 271, Lamar County: from FM 1499 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co.
Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project consisting of widening pavement, installing continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treating fixed objects is underway.
Please be aware of lane closures and workers in this area. Weather permitting, they will resume work on the last box culvert extension, and widening County Roads 2666 and 2664.
SH 276, Hunt County: at Bull Creek, rip-rap repair project. The contractor is working on replacing concrete rip-rap that has failed along SH 276. The contractor will do partial lane closures intermittently. Please be careful when traveling in the area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. Contractor is currently forming up and pouring sidewalks. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
FM36, Hunt County maintenance crews are working on overlaying both lanes. Please be careful when driving in the area.
Debris and litter operations will be ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
North Hopkins Baseball Team Gets Win Against Collinsville Thursday in Lindsay Tournament
The North Hopkins Panthers Baseball Team split two games in a Lindsay tournament Thursday. The Panthers defeated Collinsville, 8-3 and then lost to Blue Ridge, 7-4.
Against Collinsville, the Panthers fell behind 2-0 in the bottom of the first but then scored 8 unanswered runs in the 8-3 win. North Hopkins outhit Collinsville, 10-1. Collinsville committed 2 errors and the Panthers had 1 Kevin Clement was solid on the mound going 4 1/3 innings allowing only the 1 hit and 3 runs, only 1 of which was earned. Clement struck out 11 and walked 7. Brycen Gillespie finished up the game pitching and retired the batter he faced. The Panthers got big hitting games from Gillespie who was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored, 2 RBIs with a double. Karson Jenkins was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. Clement was 2 for 2 with a run scored and an RBI. Jessie Rivera was 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk. Geoffrey Stewart was 1 for 3 with an RBI and a walk. Dakota Smith scored a run and had an RBI. Sean Hill was 1 for 3 with a run scored. Tate Myers had a walk. The Panthers swiped 14 bases and Rivera stole 4, Jenkins had 3, Gillespie and Clement stole 2 and Jenkins, Smith, Hill and Robert Perry had 1 steal. The Panthers were rained out in the Lindsay tournament on Friday.
